Whitecaps FC pass in Stage 1 of Re-Entry Draft

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC passed on their selection in Stage 1 of the Major League Soccer Re-Entry Draft that took place earlier today.

Following the release of the initial list of eligible Re-Entry players on Monday, MLS clubs had the option to sign Re-Entry-eligible players until 2 p.m. PT yesterday, while players had until the same time to opt out of the Process.

Whitecaps FC had the 10th pick and although it did not sign a player that was available for selection today, the club will have another opportunity to recruit a player in the second stage of the Re-Entry Draft, which will take place on December 14.

There was only one selection made in Stage 1, with Chicago Fire using their 11th pick on former DC United striker Maicon Dos Santos.

For the second stage, Whitecaps FC will still have the 10th pick.

The Re-Entry Draft comprises players who are at least 23 years old with a minimum of three years of MLS experience whose options were not picked up by their former club.

It also consists of out-of-contract players who are at least 25 years old and with four years of MLS experience as well as players who are at least 30 years old with a minimum of eight years of MLS experience.

At the conclusion of Stage 1, the blackout period ended and clubs may sign their players not selected in Stage 1 before 6 a.m. PT on December 13, the day before Stage 2.

In Stage 2, clubs can select players who weren’t picked up in Stage 1 and who may or may not be under contract at that time.

If a club wishes to sign one of its 2012 players, they must wait until all other clubs have passed on selecting him. This applies only to Stage 2.

As in the first stage, Stage 2 of the draft will end when no club wishes to make any selections.

Players who are not selected in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft will then become available to all teams on a first-come first-serve basis.